I found out about letterboxing sometime in early 2004, and
was disappointed that there seemed to be precious few boxes
planted here in Scotland. I am not an accomplished
orienteerer, nor skilful carver. Rather than waiting for
someone else to make it happen, however, I decided to try and get some boxing momentum going in this bonnie
green land. At the time of writing this, I have planted eight
boxes—all with hand carved stamps and most with hand
made journals. Unfortunately, one has already gone missing.
In consulting with boxers in New Zealand and the US, the common
feedback we received has been, “If you build it, they
will come.” Prove ‘em right, eh?

There is a generosity inherent in this activity, as well
as a playfulness and sense of wonder—qualities easily
lost in the day-to-day grind of the adult world. I was struck
by the lovely connections contained within this strange and
wonderful pastime. Obvious connections, like connecting with
nature and the creative part of oneself, and the unusual way
letterboxing creates connections between strangers, many of
whom will never meet face to face. Perhaps a stronger sense
of connectedness is one important remedy for what ails us, walking around on this planet, and as
a human race overall.